Cuprins
Introduction
Part OneGetting Started
1.Why RV?
Convenience
Affordability
A Wider Range of Choices
The Chance to Bring Along Family Members
Flexibility
2.Choosing an RV
Truck Campers
Motor Homes
Towables
3.Choosing the Features and Options You Want
The RV Kitchen
The Bathroom
Washer/Dryers
Bedrooms
Electrical Features
Awnings
Slideouts
Storage Space
Diesel versus Gasoline Engines
4.Buying a New (or Used) RV
Planning Your RV Purchase
How Much Is It Worth?
Financing
Making the Best Deal
Taxes, Registration, and Insurance
The Walk-Through
Part TwoUsing Your RV
5.Driving Basics
Driving Forward
Turning
Highway Driving: Entering, Exiting, and Passing Safely
Driving Safely: Wind, Storms, Steep Grades, Clearance
After You Arrive: Backing into a Site, Parking, Leveling, and Stabilizing Your RV
6.Towing and Hitching
Motor Homes: Towing a Car
Hitching and Unhitching a Trailer or Fifth Wheel
7.Understanding and Caring for RV Systems
The RV Toilet
Gray- and Black-Water Drainage
Fresh-Water Supply
The RV Stove
The RV Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer
Heating and Cooling
Air-Conditioning
Awnings
The Roof
Floors
Power Supply/Electrical Systems
Using External Power
Batteries
Solar Power
8.Engine, Tires, Suspension, Brakes, and Transmission
Engine
Tires
Suspension
Brakes
Transmission
9.Finding Places to Stay
County, State, and National Parks
Membership Campgrounds
Dry Camping
10.Preventing and Responding to Disasters
Dealing with Roadside Mishaps
Personal Safety
Fire Safety
Propane Safety
Preparing for Medical Emergencies
11.Leaving Your RV
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Preparing Your RV for Storage
Part ThreeThe Joys of the Open Road
12.Loading the RV and Preparing to Leave
Getting It All In
Running through a Final Checklist before Leaving
13.Arranging to Be Gone
Mail Services
Getting Cash
Internet Banking
Cellular Phone Service
Medical Care
14.Traveling with Kids and Pets
On the Road with Pets
RVing with Kids
15.Taking Long Trips
The Advantages of a Long Stay
Becoming a Snowbird
16.Crossing Borders: Taking Your RV to Canada or Mexico
Visiting Canada
Adventuring in Mexico
Returning to the United States from Canada or Mexico
17.Technology for the Traveler
Television
Audio Entertainment
Internet Access
Digital Cameras
Using GPS: Never Get Lost Again
18.Going Full-Time
Getting Started at Full-Timing
The Full-Timer's Dilemma: What to Take and What to Leave
The Frugal Full-Timer
The Full-Timer's Social Life
Citizens of Everywhere: Selecting a Domicile
Appendix
Index